The downturn for supercars is coming to an end. Led by powerful models such as the BMW i8 and Audi R8, sales are announced to rise to 21 000 units by 2017.
The main reason behind this good news for the industry could be the return to confidence for consumers. According to Ian Fletcher, IHS Automotive senior analyst, consumers experienced the economic pressure last year that pushed them away from buying extravagant vehicle. Italy was the most hit country with three of its main emblematic brands: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.
To prevent this downfall, some brand focus on launching new products such as the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid supercar for the German brand and the P13 for McLaren’s lowest-priced model. The quicker the automakers update and replace older models, the better they can attract new consumers into the market, IHS analyst said.
Bentley, owned by the Volkswagen Group, presents new models that are said to be more fuel-efficient, a strategy followed by Ferrari which cut 40% of CO2 from their cars since 2007. Ford Motor has planned to replace their models with brand new V-8 engines supplied by Daimler, the changes will give the company the boost it needs.
To meet these new ideas and challenges, companies need to invest into facilities and quality control as well as sales network and vehicle servicing.
Source : Auto News
